Ida Lee Barbee Parrish

Ida Lee Barbee was born in Orange County on July 4, 1934, to the late Samuel Alexander Barbee and Pearl Mason Barbee. She transitioned into eternal rest on May 10, 2026, at the age of 91. She was at home, surrounded by her loved ones. She was the sixth of ten children, seven of whom preceded her in death.

An early marriage to the late Herbert Atwater produced four children, one of whom preceded her in death: Herbert Daryl Atwater, affectionately known as “Dada.” In 1977, she married the late Captain John “Jay” W. Parrish, USMC. She was a devoted wife, and their union lasted more than 20 years until his death on March 1, 2003. Together, Ida and Jay started a small cleaning business, Econo Clean Cleaning Services, which they later sold due to Jay’s declining health.

Ida was educated in the Orange County School System. She attended Orange County Training School as a youngster and later graduated from the newly built Lincoln High School. She was a member of the first graduating class of 1952.

Ida was a caregiver throughout her entire life. She dedicated more than 70 years to caring for others in both the public and private sectors. As a child daycare worker, she was one of the original co-op founders of the Community School for People Under Six. After leaving the Community School, she went on to work alongside her family at Bi-City Daycare. As her daycare children grew into adulthood, many recognized her when meeting her in public. They remembered her with great fondness and warm hugs.

Ida and her husband Jay started Econo Clean Cleaning Services, which they later sold due to Jay’s declining health. Jay and Ida’s brother, Joe Barbee, also formed a drill team called the Young Men’s Awareness Club. The club became a part of First Baptist Church (FBC) and was designed to teach discipline while instilling self-worth and self-pride. Members provided yard services and participated in various community projects. Ida became known as the club’s mother, often preparing breakfast and snacks for the young men.

In her later years, she became a CNA with the Home Health Agency of Chapel Hill, where she continued her lifelong journey of caring for others. While working at Home Health, she cared for two elderly sisters, Annie Prickhard and Nell Prickhard. Through this association, she later met and worked with their niece, Margaret “Tiny” Service. Ida and Tiny became more than employee and employer, they became best friends then family. Their bond lasted until Margaret’s death in 2017, after which Ida retired.

Ida’s faith was strong. She attended her family church, Barbee’s Chapel, at a young age. Later, she joined First Baptist Church, where she was baptized by the late Reverend Dr. J.R. Manley. She loved to sing and was a member of several gospel choirs. Alongside her sisters Rosa, Katrina, and Mary Frances, she occasionally performed as the Barbee Sisters. She also sang with the Susie Weaver Singers on Sunday mornings. They could be heard on radio station WSRC in Durham, North Carolina. Ida was also a member of the First Baptist Church Senior Choir and Mixed Choir. In addition, she was a member of the Willing Workers Club and an active participant in the church’s Meals on Wheels program. She served faithfully in these capacities until her health declined and limited her involvement.

She leaves to cherish her memory her loving children: Gerald Atwater (Miriam Annette), Mark Atwater, and Vonda Atwater; grandchildren: Anthony Parrish, Brandon Atwater (Lorena), Gerald Atwater, Jerrell Atwater, and Madisyn Atwater. She also leaves behind her brother, Charles “Ish” Barbee (Darlene), and her sister, Mary Frances Kennell (Bobby), along with a host of loving nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family members, and cherished friends.